A 40-year-old taxi driver with epilepsy has a seizure and tells you he will keep driving. You advise him to stop and inform the DVLA, but he refuses. What does GMC guidance advise?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Tell him you will inform the DVLA medical adviser, then disclose
- Step 1: Continued driving against advice poses a risk of serious harm.
- Step 2: GMC confidentiality guidance allows and expects disclosure to the DVLA medical adviser when a patient continues to drive unfit, after telling the patient.
Answer
Tell him you will inform the DVLA medical adviser, then disclose.
Why not the others: Tell his employer about the diagnosis first: Employers are not the correct recipient. Respect his confidentiality completely and take no further action in any circumstances: Silence leaves the public at risk. Wait six months to see whether there is another seizure before considering disclosure: Delay increases risk.
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